Hyderabad, India — The International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations (ICCDR), a Special Accredited organization with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), commemorated United Nations Day with a high-level symposium at Hotel Green Park, Hyderabad, emphasizing the urgent need for UN Security Council reforms and strongly advocating for India’s permanent membership.
Themed “Need to Reform the UN Security Council in the Changing World Scenario,” the event gathered eminent diplomats, administrators, and academics to discuss cultural diplomacy, global peacebuilding, and sustainable urban governance.
India’s Role in Global Leadership
Shri A.V. Ranganath, IPS, Commissioner, HYDRA, attended as Chief Guest, highlighting Hyderabad’s innovative efforts in environmental conservation, lake rejuvenation, and flood prevention. He stressed the importance of citizen participation and awareness to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13).
Col. Bhupendra Budhori and Maj. S.P.S. Oberoi, Guests of Honour, underscored the significance of international cooperation and cultural diplomacy in shaping a more peaceful and inclusive global order.
Strengthening Regional and Cultural Diplomacy
The program featured insightful addresses by Padma Kanta Hazarika, Officer on Special Duty, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, and Sarsing Engti, Chairman, Dorothy Voluntary Association and former NDFB leader. They highlighted the transformative potential of tourism-led growth and inclusive development in India’s northeastern states, linking local initiatives to the SDG framework.
ICCDR–HYDRA–UN Collaboration Framework
During the symposium, ICCDR introduced a collaborative proposal between the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA), the United Nations Disaster Management System, and ICCDR. The proposed framework focuses on disaster management, climate resilience, and sustainable urban planning, aligning with the Sendai Framework (2015–2030) and SDGs 11 & 13.
Advocating India’s UN Security Council Seat
Dr. Srinivas Eluri, Secretary General of ICCDR, reiterated that India’s long-standing leadership in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and sustainable development makes it a deserving candidate for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
“India’s global voice has consistently stood for peace, reform, and equity. A restructured Security Council must reflect the realities of the 21st century — and that means India at the table,” he said.
Honoring Champions of Sustainable Development
The event concluded with the presentation of ICCDR Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards, honoring distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions in various sectors:
- A.V. Ranganath, IPS (HYDRA): Sustainable Cities & Climate Action (SDG 11, 13)
- Ms. Vedavathi Dinesh & Ms. Shalini Jadhav: Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Ms. Caroline Vaikuntam: Education (SDG 4)
- J.V.S. Chandra Shekhar: Environment
- Goddu Srinivas Rao: Energy
- Y. Radha Krishna Reddy: Public Policy
- Sarangapani: Friendly Policing
- Radha Mohan: Arts & Culture
- Rama Rao: Social Service
- Dr. Naresh Kumar & Dr. N. Udaya Gowtham: Medical Sciences
- Dr. Srinivas Radhika Srinivasan & Dr. Subha Basin: Education
- Mr. Praveen Raju: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The ICCDR also extended appreciation to event coordinators N. Sanjay Kumar, Managing Director of Sree Paper Products & Sri Books, and Mr. Dinakar Tyagaraj, Managing Director of Versant Group, for their support.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Suneetha Eluri, Assistant Secretary General, and Dr. Vedavathi Dinesh, Executive Committee Member, for their participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69) at UN Headquarters, New York.
📍 The ICCDR event underscored India’s growing diplomatic influence and reaffirmed the nation’s call for a more representative and equitable United Nations system — one that truly reflects the voice of the Global South.
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